Franchises fined for employment breaches

Two Domino’s franchises in Auckland, have been fined $32,400 for ‘‘serious’’ breaches of employment law.

A Labour Inspectorate investigation found E Lynn Limited and E Ming Limited, operated by Xi Chen, failed to provide their employees with correct employment agreements and to keep correct wage, time, holiday and leave records.

The businesses were based in Henderson and Te Atatu, and the breaches affected some 112 staff across both.

Labour Inspectorate retail lead Loua Ward said it was disappointing to see companies operating under established and international brands, failing to provide employees with their minimum rights. ‘‘These businesses have highly systematic approaches to the production of their product,’’ Ward said.

‘‘It’s quite unacceptable that they do not have a similarly systematic approach throughout their operations, to ensure compliance with minimum employment rights, for what can be very vulnerable workers.’’

In addition to penalties, Chen also paid his staff more than $54,000 in arrears, as calculated by Domino’s Pizza Enterprises.A Domino’s spokeswoman said Domino’s conducted a wage audit following a staff complaint and paid back wages owed to staff. ‘‘This behaviour is not tolerated and the franchisee no longer works with Domino’s.’’